Exercise Device to Prevent DVT

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides an exercise device comprising a rigid solid body or a rigid hollow body having a first surface for contacting the instep of the foot of a user and a second surface for contacting a floor surface, wherein the first and second surfaces are configured so that rolling the second surface over a floor surface causes at least a part of the first surface to rise with respect to the floor surface.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/699,972 filed Sep. 12, 2012, herein incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND

Disclosed herein is a device for exercising the human body, and the legsin particular.

Recently, it has become more widely understood that seated and inactivepersons, such as aircraft passengers, may be prone to deep veinthrombosis (DVT), occurring in the main over longer journey times andaffecting the legs in particular. Normally, movement of the calf muscleshelps to pump blood from the legs to the heart. However, if the legs arerested or inactive for extended periods, such as in the case of longhaul air travel, there is a risk of blood clots forming in the legs,although these may be dispersed through exercise that activate the calfmuscles to increase the flow of blood. While seated, this can be bestachieved by rocking the foot at the ankle, which, primarily, generatesmovement in the calf muscle group.

Certain exercise devices for the legs are produced that may be operatedwhile seated for the relief of DVT. However, these devices need settingup and may not always fully exercise the calf muscles due to impreciseaction through not being operated correctly. The present invention setsout to provide improvements in these respects.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present inventor has realized that a simple and highly effectiveexercise device may be provided in the form of a rigid body comprising afoot-contacting surface and a floor-contacting surface which areconfigured so that rolling the floor-contacting surface over a floorsurface will cause the foot-contacting surface to rise above the floorsurface. Surprisingly, the action of lifting the foot causes the calfmuscles to contract in a way which helps to pump blood through the veinsin the leg. Repeated operation of the device in a rocking, oscillatingor rolling motion causes a repeated contraction and relaxing of the calfmuscles and can help resist the formation of clots and deep veinthrombosis.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an exercise devicecomprising a solid body having a first surface for contacting the instepof the foot of a user and a second surface for contacting a floorsurface, wherein the first and second surfaces are configured so thatrolling the second surface over a floor surface causes at least a partof the first surface to rise with respect to the floor surface.

In a first aspect, the first and second surfaces are textured to improvegrip, the texturing extending up to a distance of at least 1 cm from atleast one of the ends of the device in an axial direction of the device.This is found to give both good grip with respect to a floor surface andalso comfort for a user when handling. Preferably, the texturing extendsup to a distance of at least 1 cm from both of the ends of the device inan axial direction of the device

In a second aspect, the length of the device in an axial direction is atleast 12.5 cm. This is found to give a good directional stability of thedevice during rolling.

In a third aspect, the device is in the form of a hollow body,comprising a movable, hinged closure at at least one end.

According to the present invention, an oblong length of material isshaped to act as a support and fulcrum for the foot while seated. Theoscillator is located under the instep, just forward of the ankle, sothat it can be rocked, or oscillated, backwards and forwards by the footwhich, primarily, requires the effort of the calf muscles, thusincreasing blood flow in the leg concerned.

Preferably, the second surface is a smoothly curving surface or asurface defined by a plurality of small stepped surface segments whoseedges lie on a smooth curve. Suitably, if the surface comprises smallsurface segments, each surface segment is no wider than 2 cm, preferablyno wider than 1.5 cm and preferably no wider than 0.8 cm. Preferably,the first surface is also curved, being defined by a smooth curve or aseries of stepped surface segments in a similar way to the second curvedsurface. Suitably, the first and second surfaces define a closed body.

The necessary rising action may be achieved if the first and secondsurfaces together define a body which, when seen in cross section, isgenerally non-circular. The body may be elliptical, ovoid, oblong orpolygonal with a rounded edges or even an irregular non-circular figure.

All of these figures have the advantage that, when they are pushed,pulled, rocked, oscillated or rolled across a floor surface, using thefoot, a rising action is generated in the foot, causing the calf musclesto contract.

The first and second curved surfaces may have substantially the sameform so that the device can be used with either surface in contact withthe floor or with the foot.

The device may comprise a section of a cylinder or prism whose crosssection has the shape described above. Alternatively, it may be asection of a conoid, a pair of conoids meeting at their bases, or acylindroid, having outwardly bowed side walls in a manner of a barrel,or inwardly bowed side walls.

The body may even be in a form of a distorted ball.

The body may be formed of any suitable material, for example, metal,synthetic material such as thermoplastic or composite material, wood,paper, papier maché or any other suitable material. A suitable materialis polystyrene. The device may be formed by any suitable technique, suchas molding. It may be formed as a solid body or it may comprise a hollowbody.

Where the body is in form of a hollow body, it may be open at at leastone end, so that items may be stored inside the body. Removable closureelements may be provided for at least one end of the body.

The body may be symmetrical about at least one and preferably two planesof symmetry, suitably, the planes of symmetry intersect one another atright angles.

Where the device comprises a symmetrical body, it can be placed any wayround or anyway up and will still function.

The shape of the body may be further defined by defining the shape ofthe cross section of a foot-contacting zone of the device. In the footcontacting zone, a cross section, extending between a foot contactingportion and ground contacting portion will have a greatest dimension anda least dimension. For example, if the shape were elliptical, thesewould be the distance along the minor axis and the distance along themajor axis.

Suitably, the greatest dimension is in the range 50-150 mm morepreferably 50-100 mm. Preferably, the least dimension is in the range20-100 mm, more preferably 25-60 mm. Suitably, the ratio between theleast and the greatest dimension is in the range 1.0:1.05 to 1.0:2.0,preferably 1.0:1.15 to 1.0:2.0 more preferably 1.0:1.2 to 1.0:1.9, mostpreferably around 1.0:1.5 to 1.0:1.8.

The first and second surfaces may be textured to improve grip. Forexample, they may be roughened, matt, ridged, stepped or grooved toimprove contact and friction.

Where the shape comprises an ellipse or at least approximates to anellipse, the shape may be defined with reference to a plane dissecting acircular section cylinder at an angle. The angle between the plane and aplane which is perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder is referred to.In this case, the shape of the foot-contacting portion is suitablydefined by a 20-60° ellipse or ellipsoid, preferably a 35-40° ellipse orellipsoid.

If the difference between the greatest and least dimension is notsufficiently large, an insufficient lifting action is obtained.Suitably, a lift in the range 10-25 mm is obtained when rolling thedevice over a distance of about 5 cm.

If, however, the difference between the greatest dimension and the leastdimension is too much, the device becomes difficult to operate. Further,if the difference is too small, the object will tend to approximate toomuch to a smooth cylinder and may roll around floor in an uncontrolledfashion, providing a hazard to other people.

The body may comprise at least two parts which fit together for use. Theparts may define between them a space for enclosing objects. The shapemust be constructed in a way, known to the person skilled in the art, sothat it can bear the weight of at least the leg of a fully grown adult.

Alternatively, the body may comprise two geometrically similar parts,one of which is slidably mounted in the other, so that the device may beopened like a telescope.

The present invention further provides a method of exercising the foot,comprising placing an exercise device according to the invention betweenthe instep of the foot and a floor surface and rocking, oscillating orrolling the foot and the device backward and forwards.

It is a particular advantage of the present invention that it may beused while the user is in a seated position. For example, it may be usedby a passenger in an aircraft or other vehicle while at their seat,allowing for use with minimal interference. It employs a natural footaction. The device may be used substantially silently, as it does notrequire hinges or other moving parts. The device may be prepared for usesimply by placing it on the ground, making it easy to operate.

Preferably, the device is formed of material, thickness and size whichallow its weight way to be small. Preferably, the weight is in the range50-250 gms more preferably 100-150 gms.

An optional feature of the invention may include a timer device forsetting off a warning, for example a flashing light, buzzer or otherdevice for alerting a user that it is time to exercise.

The lifting motion imparted to the leg may be taken up by movement ofthe foot or movement of the whole leg, according to the preference ofthe user.

In either case, the calf muscles will be contracted, with theaccompanying beneficial effect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

By way of example, a specific embodiment of the invention, referred toin the description as an oscillator, will now be described withreference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows in perspective, the general configuration of theoscillator.

FIG. 2 shows in perspective, the oscillator in position under the instep.

FIGS. 3A, B illustrate in end view, the alternating positions of theoscillator.

FIG. 4 illustrates the top and underside details of the oscillator.

FIG. 5 shows the oscillator in two parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, an oblong, oval-shaped oscillator 7, which may beof solid or hollow construction, is designed to function under andacross the instep of the foot while supporting the full weight of theleg and foot on its upper surface, as indicated by the arrows, and withthe underside being in contact with the floor at 8. The oscillator andfoot may then be rocked backwards and forwards on the spot by applyingalternate pressure with the ball of the foot and heel, with shoes on oroff. The oscillator 7 is symmetrical in design so that either surfacemay provide the floor-contacting surface or the foot-contacting surface.First and second surfaces are textured to improve grip, the texturingextending up to a distance of at least 1 cm from both ends of the devicein an axial direction of the device. The length of the device in anaxial direction is at least 12.5 cm. This is found to give a gooddirectional stability of the device during rolling. The device issuitably in the form of a hollow body, comprising a movable, hingedclosure at at least one end.

According to FIG. 2, the oscillator 7 is shown in position with the legnear vertical and arrows indicating the rocking motion of the foot.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the central principle employed in theoscillator is that the dual cam effect of the rocking ellipsoid,reacting with the floor, lifts either the front or back of the foot asit is progressively rotated so that the following occurs. FIG. 3A showsthe oscillator rocked forwards by pressure on the ball of the foot sothat the rear lobe of the ellipse has risen, giving an increase inheight shown at C which is lifting the heel and increasing the angle ofthe foot to the horizontal plane so as to fully flex the calf muscles.FIG. 3B shows the oscillator rocked backwards by downward pressure ofthe heel which is lifting the front of the foot and also increasing itsangle to the horizontal plane so as to fully flex the calf muscles inreverse. The “pumping” effect of the calf muscles can thus be controlledand varied depending on the degree of effort applied to the rockingaction, affecting the angle of the foot.

The oscillator may also have an asymmetrical, or egg-shaped, outerprofile which provides a variation in lift characteristics, if required.

According to FIG. 4, the plan view of the upper and lower surfaces ofthe oscillator shows lateral ridges 9 which improve grip and controlslippage at the foot and floor interfaces when in use. If the oscillatoris of hollow construction, end cap(s) 10 may be removable to accessitems that may be kept within.

Referring to FIG. 5, the oscillator may be constructed of two separatehalves with the horizontal join surfaces shown at 11. The oscillator mayfunction as a single unit if the halves are joined together, or it maybe separated to provide two units that may be used with the flatsurfaces uppermost in contact with the feet.

The oscillator 7 shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 of the drawings comprises anelliptical sectioned prism.

When seen in cross section, the width along the major axis is 57 mm andthe depth along the minor axis is 33 mm, corresponding to a 36° ellipse.

The prism section is preferably of length of 106 mm. The device isformed of thermoplastic material and weighs 120 gms.

In order to determine the effectiveness of the device according to FIG.1 for increasing blood flow and for resisting DVT, live tests werecarried out at a leading Medical Center.

Ten healthy subjects of both sexes were individually tested at halfhourly intervals to evaluate how using the device of FIG. 1 affectedblood flow in the legs. A standard economy class aircraft seat wasprovided in which each subject remained for the duration of the test. Asensor was attached to each leg to monitor venous outflow Vo in thefemoral region. The left leg (LT) was kept static as a controlthroughout the test while the right (RT) foot and leg were exercised.The object being to determine blood flow differential in the legs as aresult of right leg activity alone, thus indicating blood flowimprovement directly attributable to the exercise device of FIG. 1.

The subjects were seated and totally inactive for the initial two hoursso that the fall off in venous outflow could be monitored in both legs.Thereafter, at half hourly intervals, the right foot was exercised forone minute duration using the device of FIG. 1 and the Vo readings weretaken 15 minutes after cessation of exercise. Exercise was conductedevery 30 minutes for one minute only.

The following results were obtained.

After two hours, venous outflow from the unexercised left leg wasreduced by 43.5%. In contrast, venous outflow, in the right leg, 15minutes after exercise was ceased had only reduced by 19.57%. Further,venous capacitance was measured. The venous capacitance of the left legafter two hours had increased by 34.66% whereas it had only increased by30.1% in the right leg.

It can be seen that there is 55% improvement in blood flow produced byjust one minute of exercise. This value compares directly with bloodflow improvements obtained by normal walking action for the same time ina similar test environment.

The present invention has been described above by way of example only.Modification can be made within the spirit of the invention whichextends to equivalents of the features described. The invention alsoconsists in any individual features described or implicit herein orshown or implicit in the drawings or any combination of any suchfeatures or any generalization of any such features or combination.

What is claimed is:
 1. An exercise device comprising: a rigid solid bodyor a rigid hollow body having a first surface for contacting the instepof the foot of a user and a second surface for contacting a floorsurface, wherein: the first and second surfaces are configured so thatrolling the second surface over a floor surface causes at least a partof the first surface to rise with respect to the floor surface, thefirst and second surfaces are textured to improve grip, and thetexturing extending up to a distance of at least lcm from at least oneof the ends of the device in an axial direction of the device.
 2. Anoscillating device that functions under the instep that employs anelliptical shape or offset motion, to provide an increase in height orlift for the foot when rocked or rotated in either direction.
 3. Adevice according to claim 1, wherein the outer profile corresponds to asubstantially symmetrical ellipse.
 4. A device according to claim 1,wherein the outer profile corresponds to an asymmetrical ellipse, anovoid, oblong or round edged polygon.
 5. A device according to claim 3,wherein the cross section of the device corresponds to a 20° to 60°ellipse or ellipsoid, preferably a 35 to 40° ellipse or ellipsoid.
 6. Adevice according to claim 1, wherein a cross section of a footcontaining zone of the device has the greatest dimension and a leastdimension, the ratio between the least dimension and the greatestdimension being in the range 1.0:1.05 to 1.0:2.0, preferably 1.0:1.15 to1.0:2.0 more preferably 1.0:1.2 to 1.0:1.9, most preferably 1.0:1.4 to1.0:1.8.
 7. A device according to claim 1, comprising two halves whichmay be releasably fixed together.
 8. An exercise device according toclaim 1, wherein said first and second curved surfaces havesubstantially the same curvature so that the device can be used witheither surface in contact with the floor or with the foot.
 9. Anexercise device according to claim 1, that is rigid.
 10. An exercisedevice according to claim 9, wherein the exercise device compresses byless than 1 mm when a load of 5 kg is applied to the exercise device ina direction normal to the first surface.
 11. An exercise devicecomprising: a rigid solid body or a rigid hollow body having a firstsurface for contacting the instep of the foot of a user and a secondsurface for contacting a floor surface, wherein: the first and secondsurfaces are configured so that rolling the second surface over a floorsurface causes at least a part of the first surface to rise with respectto the floor surface, and the length of the device in an axial directionis at least 12.5 cm.
 12. An exercise device comprising: a rigid solidbody or a rigid hollow body having a first surface for contacting theinstep of the foot of a user and a second surface for contacting a floorsurface, wherein: the first and second surfaces are configured so thatrolling the second surface over a floor surface causes at least a partof the first surface to rise with respect to the floor surface, and thedevice is in the form of a hollow body, comprising a movable, hingedclosure at at least one end.